Phoenix Inclusive Birding Club

Join us for a Sunday Bird Sit, a relaxed outing focused on slowing down and connecting with the birds around us. We’ll gather at the Dragonfly Ramada and have scopes set up along the pond and nearby bird blind. Whether you stay for the entire sit or drop in for part of it, this is a great opportunity to experience birds in a more mindful and collaborative way.

What to Expect:

• We’ll be under a shaded pavilion with seats, tables, and benches or the directly adjacent bird blind and pond shore for the duration of the event
• We’ll watch and listen for birds with an opportunity to use a spotting scope
• The group will work together to learn more about the birds we observe and use resources like field guides and the Merlin Bird ID app
• Participants can come and go as they would like

Location:
We’ll meet at the Dragonfly Ramada at the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch (aka Gilbert Riparian), located at 2757 E Guadalupe Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85234.

Dragonfly Ramada is against the north shore of Pond #7 and is located between the Dino Dig and Observatory. It is south of the Guadalupe Parking Lot and east of Water Ranch Lake/Pond Bridge and the Observatory if you come from the Library Parking Lot.

Parking:
Free parking is available in the main lot off Guadalupe Road and the adjacent Gilbert Public Library.

Provided:

• Spotting scope
• Loaner monocular and binoculars
• Field guides
• Extra water

What to bring:

• Water (coffee/tea if you like to)
• Sun protection, like a hat, sunscreen, and comfortable clothing
• Snacks, if desired
• Your own binoculars/monocular if you want to

Restrooms:
Indoor/Flush restrooms are available directly adjacent to the ramada

Accessibility:
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions or if you need to notify us of an access need. Let us know if there is anything we can provide or assist with to make this event as enjoyable as possible.

Led by: Grace Harwin & Scott Harwin
Call/Text 540-597-8712 or message on app if you have questions.

Location:
North Mountain Park - Meet at the Havasupai Ramada
10608 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85020 (use this address since North Mountain Park has multiple addresses)

Meet: near the trailhead and picnic shelter (look for leader wearing a blue sun shirt and a pink hat)

What to expect:
We will follow the Penny Howe Barrier Free Trail, making stops at overlooks and as we see birds.

Trail Information:
0.5 mi - paved - 39 ft elevation gain
There are 7 designated accessible spaces in the paved parking lot at the Havasupai Picnic Shelter. They are van-accessible with striped access aisles. The trail surface is paved concrete and smooth. It is typically at least 8 feet wide. The whole trail is estimated to be in the mostly gentle (5% or less) grade category. This trail will likely be navigable for most wheelchairs/mobility equipment or stroller users. There are benches and picnic tables along the route for resting.

Restroom available in parking lot.

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/penny-howe-trail

What to bring:
Water
Sun protection, comfortable clothes
Snacks, if you desire
Binoculars/monoculars, if you wish (loaners available)

Join us for a morning of birding at Tres Rios Wetlands, one of Phoenix’s premier birding locations. We’ll follow the gravel trail at an easy pace, stopping often to observe the wide variety of species that use this unique wetland habitat. Along the way we’ll make use of the open viewing areas to look for ducks, raptors, shorebirds, and wintering songbirds.

We will meet at the main gate - no need to get a permit ahead of time, leader will have one for the whole group

Where to meet: Tres Rios Wetlands parking area near 91st Ave & Broadway. (Parking is limited—carpool if you can.)

What to bring: Water, sun protection, comfortable clothing, binoculars/monocular, if you would like to (loaners available)

Accessibility notes: There is no to low shade along the route. The only restroom facility is a porta-potty located at the parking lot. There do not appear to be any designated accessible spaces in the gravel parking lot off of South 91st Avenue at the east end of the trail. The trail surface is gravel or a natural surface (dirt). It is typically at least 8 feet wide. There is a gate across the trail at the start and the estimated width to go around it is 3 feet. The whole trail is estimated to be in the flat (1% or less) grade category. All-terrain tires or motorized equipment may be needed for the surface type.

We will only complete part of this trail (~1-2 mi depending on the sightings and pace of the group): https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/tolleson-wetlands-loop--2

Why Tres Rios? With ponds, riparian corridors, and mesquite bosque, this wetland oasis attracts an impressive diversity of resident and migratory birds. December is a great time to see waterfowl and wintering species.